Loading...
2001/10/013) 4) MEETING Monday,October 1, 2001 From 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B Approval of the 2001 09 10 Community Services Committee Minutes REPORTS: FS-2001-04- FS-2001-05- N.V.R.P. Termination Purchase of Pumper Truck MW-2001-127 - Shriner's Creek Review Study R-2001-38 - Concession Operations in City Arenas Staff Contact: B. Ruddell B. Ruddell Ed Dujlovic Adele Kon COMMUNICATION: Club Italia - Soccer field for the City at Club Italia AD JO URNMENT: MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, September 10, 2001, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 4:00 P.M. PRE/ENT: AB./ENT: ~I'AFF: Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Gary Hendershot, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Selina Volpatti, Alderman Kim Craitor, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman Art Federow Alderman Ken Feren, Ed Dujlovic, Bob McGregor (CHRE), Woody Wagg Ed Lustig, John MacDonald, Adele Kon, Tony Ravenda, Ken Burden, Darrell Smith, Barney Ruddell, Ray Kallio, Karl Dren, Marianne Tikky (Steno) PREf$: Mr. Corey Larocque - Niagara Falls Review GUE/T: John Hopkins, Broderick & Partners Vince Audibert, St. John's Ambulance Harold Mancini, Souvenir City 1) HINUTE/ IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN CRAITOR, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that the minutes of the August 13, 2001 Community Services Committee Meeting be approved as amended to included Report R-2001-38 - Concession Operations in City Arenas - It was moved by Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Fisher that this report be deferred pending the AD HOC Committee Report. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 2) a) DEPUTATION Mr. John Hopkins of Broderick & Partners - Souvenir City Request, May Avenue - Bus Restriction. Mr. Hopkins addressed Council advising them that in summer 2000 the City suspended the restriction of bus access on May Avenue until the end of 2000. The owner of Souvenir City requests that enforcement of the heavy vehicle 2001-09-10 2 Community Services Committee restriction on May Avenue be further suspended until the lst of May 2002 to permit his client to operate his existing store and carry out his redevelopment. Alderman Campbell advised Council and Mr. Hopkins that he has received several complaints all summer from area residents regarding bus traffic and moved that the bus restriction signs stay in place. Alderman Craitor advised Council that he and Karl Dren have visited Souvenir City several times to try and please the owner and residents. Alderman Craitor/Karl Dren told the residents at the time the signs were removed that it would be a temporary situation. John Hopkins advised Council that the buses can only exit Souvenir City by backing onto River Road which would be a dangerous situation. Mr. Hopkins added that he was unaware that there had been a long series of complaints. Alderman Campbell inquired whether the personnel from Souvenir City could assist the buses when pulling out onto River Road. Mr. Hopkins advised Council he would take that up with his client Mr. Mancini who is present tonight. Alderman Puttick advised Council that he is opposed to the motion and felt the short time span remaining, May 2002, is a reasonable request. Once the redevelopment is completed, the problem of buses exiting onto May Avenue would be resolved. Alderman Volpatti advised Council that the residents are very inconvenienced by the bus traffic, noise and smell caused by buses using this street. Harold Mancini (Souvenir City) advised Council that the store will be closed at the end of November and the redevelopment would allow for buses to park in the parking lot, therefore, the side streets would not be used. Alderman Orr informed Council that the bus drivers have been ignoring the three minute idling by-law and have left buses idling up to half an hour at a time. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN CAMPBELL, seconded by Alderman Orr that the request for the removal of bus restriction signs on May Avenue be denied. Motion: Action: Opposed: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 Alderman Puttick 2001-09-10 3 Community Services Committee b) MW-2001-125 - St. John's Ambulance Boat House IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Craitor that the request by Mr. Vince Audibert on behalf of St. John's Ambulance for a $7,000 grant be approved. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 3) a) REPORT/ PD-2001-77 - Conversion of Former Beatties Store, 4555 Queen Street and Downtown Board of Management Petition Mayor Thomson advised Council that the Downtown BIA presented Council with a petition to prohibit another bar from opening on Queen Street. The applicant is applying for a liquor licence and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) request public input, and Council is here tonight to discuss whether it wishes to send in a negative comment to the LCBO. Alex Herlovitch informed Council that the proposed development has a 200 seating capacity. The front area would be a caf~ with food and tables and the rear area would be lounge space. Alex Herlovitch reminded Council that a restaurant/tavern is a permitted use in the downtown core, and this use is exempt from parking restriction according to the by-law. The applicant advised Council that he is upset with the petition and should not be held responsible for the past incidents that have happened on Queen Street from other establishments. Aldemmn Craitor reminded Council of the past history of Queen Street and the problems Council encountered in trying to close these problem businesses. Mr. Amodeo, Chairman of the Downtown BIA addressed Council voicing the Board's concerns over another bar being allowed to open on Queen Street. Presently there are six bars in two and half blocks, and the shop owners have experienced several problems caused by the late night activity these businesses generate. Alderman Ioannoni questioned whether the report could be deferred, allowing the parties involved to come to some kind of resolution and bring it back to Council. Alderman Pietrangelo reminded Council that Mr. Amodeo has already stated he was in favour of further discussion with the applicant. · Mayor Thomson noted, for the information, of Council that in the beginning the 2001-0% 10 4 Community Services Committee City was mistaken that a billiard hall/bar would be going in at this address, we have established tonight that this is not the applicant's intent and a cafe/lounge will be going in. Alderman Volpatti advised Council that the applicant and the Downtown BIA should meet and discuss the applicant's concepts. Alderman Volpatti moved that the report be deferred to the Downtown BIA for further discussion. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that report PD-2001-77 - Conversion of Former Beatties Store be deferred to the Downtown BIA for further discussion and brought back to Council. Motion: Opposed: Action: Carried Mayor Thomson Alderman Federow Alderman Puttick Alderman Hendershot Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 b) MW-2001419 - Consulting Services for the Collection of Data for a Pavement Analysis Program. Alderman Fisher question staff if rural roads were going to be considered. Darrell Smith advised Council that City roads were being looked at in 2001/02 and rural roads in 2002/03. IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the City of Niagara Falls enters into a Consulting Services Agreement for the collection of road condition information for the City of Niagara Falls urban road network at a cost of $55,200 plus GST. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 c) MW-2001422 - Monthly Parking Review of Rates Alderman Put-tick advised Council that he feels the rates are to Iow, and the City should be raising the rates by $25.00 - $30.00 not $10.00. Alderman Puttick has visited other Cities in the Region and paid substantial higher for downtown parking. Alderman Ioannoni requested staff have a yearly review of the rates. 2001-09-10 5 Community Services Committee IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN CRAITOR, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that effective January 1, 2002, monthly lease parking rates be increased by $10.00 per month. Motion: Opposed: Action: Carried Alderman Puttick Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 d) BBS-2001-26 - Appointment of Inspector - Teasdale Richard Colledge Alderman Campbell advised Council that the by-law officers are over mn and glad to see the report. Alderman Campbell questioned staff as to the feasibility of appointing Alderman to the same status as by-law officer. Ray Kallio advised Council anyone can report to the by-law officer an incident with probable cause to swear out an Information. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN HENDERSHOT, seconded by Mayor Thomson that Teasdale Richard Colledge be appointed as a Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 e) R-2001-39 - Cemetery Public Awareness Campaign Alderman Puttick advised Council that he has received compla'mts by neighbouring residents that vehicles are parked in the cemetery after dark. Alderman Put-tick questioned whether the Parks and Recreation Department could devise a means to block off the entrance way after dark. Adele Kon advised Council that if we block off the entrance way at night, this would impede visitors access in the early morning. Mayor Thomson remarked that by putting a chain across the entrance way at approximately 10:00 p.m. at night would stop vehicles from parking in the cemetery. Adele Kon advised Council that the posted sign does state, "that no person is allowed in the cemetery before dawn and after sundown." Alderman Craitor advised Council that the residents in the area have had a series of break-ins and backyard thefts, the residents feel these people may be parking in the cemeteries. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATrI, seconded by Alderman Fisher that report R-2001-39 be received for the information of Council and that staff investigate and report back with options to restrict vehicle parking in cemeteries after dark. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 2001-09-10 6 Community Services Committee f) FS-2001-03 - Vehicle Purchase IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN HENDERSHOT, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that Council approve the purchase of an administrative/emergency response vehicle at a cost of $24,545.00 plus taxes and licence. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 4) COMMUNICATION: IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the request for financial assistant from local athlete Lisa Collison be moved to the Recreation Committee. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 09 10 5) ADJOURNMENT MEETING WAS ADJOURNED MOVED BY ALDERMAN WING, seconded by Alderman Federow at 4:58 p.m. Niagara Falls Community Services Department Fire Services 5809 Morrison Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on,ca Tel: (905) 356-1321 Fax: (905) 356-6236 E-mail: pcorfiel@city.niagarafalls.on.ca FS-2001-04 Colin Ruddell Acting Fire Chief October 1, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: re: FS-2001-04 - Niagara Voice Radio Project Termination RECOMMENDATION: For the information of Council. BACKGROUND: In 1994, an Emergency Preparedness Exercise named "Operation Trio" identified deficiencies in communications between emergency agencies on a Regional basis. This lead to discussions on providing a seamless interagency communications system and evolved into the Niagara Voice Radio Project of today. Although fire services in the Niagara Region had relatively satisfactory radio systems, the Niagara Regional Police Services identified an immediate need to drastically improve their system. The Regional Municipality of Niagara agreed to manage the project to provide a new radio system for Fire, Police and Regional Public Works. Members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department have been involved from the onset, in the creation of the Request for Proposal (RFP), the selection process of the provider and the subsequent implementation and coordination of the Bell Mobility Radio (BMR) infrastructure and equipment deployment. During the interim testing process for the implementation of the BMR system, it became evident that the original expectation of the system was not going to be realized. This was due to the level of"in-building" radio coverage of the system which Bell would have to provide. In-building radio coverage is a critical need for fire service operations. Shortly after this realization, BMR failed to meet contractual obligations during testing and the Region had a legal right to terminate the contract. Although fire services were not in favour of continuing within the terms of the original agreement, the legal opinion was that we could impose improvements to the system as conditions to BMR's continued participation in the project. An amending agreement was created by the Region's consulting lawyer on the project, containing significant conditions required to satisfy fire and police related concerns. Regional Council approved continued negotiations with BMR, based on the amending agreement. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture ° Business Development ° Building & By-Law Services Lengthy meetings and legal interpretations occurred. The Region and BMR could not come to mutual understanding on the amending agreement as a basis to move forward. On September 21, 2001, the Region and BMR agreed to terminate the agreement. Details: The next step involves discussions between Regional partners involved in the project to identify infrastructure issues of mutual interest. Evaluations of existing legacy systems will be initiated to determine the viability of keeping these systems and incorporating significant enhancements to upgrade technology and service levels, at costs contemplated to be significantly reduced from the Bell Mobility Radio project. Additionally, over the past three years, the Niagara Falls Fire Department has been anticipating a new radio system and has refrained from many radio system purchases that were not seen as critical. As a result of this recent decision to terminate the agreement with Bell, this has placed the burden back on the existing radio system that must have immediate relief, even if major changes to the radio system occur within the next year. In the interim, it is necessary that equipment improvements to the radio system are made to ensure the ability for fire fighters to communicate safely and effectively at emergency responses. Specific equipment must be purchased in the near future to accomplish this. We are looking at opportunities to attain the required level of effectiveness in our system at appropriate costs. We will keep Council informed as to our progress toward reaching the goal of a better radio system for emergency services. Lee Smith - Assistant Chief Respectfully submitted: E. P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Acting Fire Chief Approved by: _ acDon L/Executive Director of Community Services LS:rs Community Services Department Fire Services 5809 Morrison Street Niagara Fails, ON L2E 2E8 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-1321 Fax: (905) 356-6236 E-mail: pcorfiel@city.niagarafalls.on.ca FS-2001-05 October 1, 2001 Colin Ruddell Acting Fire Chief Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: FS-2001-05 - Purchase of Pumper Truck RECOMMENDATION: That Council authorize the purchase of a new rapid response, triple combination, side mount pumper track fi.om Dependable Emergency Vehicles from Brampton, Ontario at a cost of $187,859.00 plus taxes. BACKGROUND: Through the Fire Services Review process, a number of improvement areas were identified. One of the areas was for the replacement of the pumper track at Fire Station 4 with a mom rapid response vehicle. This 1976 Ford vehicle is well beyond its recommended service life of 20 years and is behind schedule for replacement. This new vehicle would provide services primarily to the residents of Fire District 4 (Village of Chippawa), and also to Fire District 5 (Willoughby), Fire District 6 (Crowland) and provide back-up for the City proper as required. The proposed fire apparatus is a variation of a standard pumper. It will be smaller in overall size and the first vehicle of its size in Niagara Falls. The vehicle will provide increased maneuverability, rapid initial response and allow for optimum vehicle placement at emergency scenes. A request for proposals was originally circulated to sixteen fire truck manufacturers. Eight companies responded to the RFP with quotes. A second more definitive RFP was needed by the selection committee. This second RFP was sent to the eight manufacturers who responded originally and only four were returned. Assistant Chief of Operations Lee Smith has been in consultation with Equipment Foreman Rick Zabor regarding the mechanical specifications of the vehicle. The Officers Municipal Works Smoke Alarms Save Lives - Check Your Smoke Alarm Working Together to Serve Our Community Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development of Station 4 have been involved in the selection committee. Staff is recommending Dependable Emergency Vehicles for the following reasons: second lowest submitted price (the lowest bid price did not meet specifications); larger equipment compartments; larger load carrying capacity: shorter wheelbase: optimal configuration of water inlets and outlets; optimal specifications and configuration of foam distribution system. best meets the needs identified by the equipment review committee The following competing companies and their costs are illustrated: Company Carl Thibeanlt Dependable Emergency Vehicles Superior Emergency Vehicles Cost $184,969.00 (plus tax) $187,859.00 (plus tax) $211,503.00 (plus tax) Darch Fire $218,215.73 (plus tax) FINANCING: purchase. Assistant Chief There are sufficient funds available in the 2001 Capital Budget to fund this Respectfully submitted: E. P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Acting Fire Chief cDonald e Director of Community Services LS:rs the City of Niagara Falls Canada Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: ve,~w, city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 Geoff Holman, Manager of Development MW-2001-127 October 1, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangclo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Fails, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2001-127 - Shriners Creek Review Study RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City agree to participate in a joint project with the Niagara Peninaula Conservation Authority to study the impacts of development on the Shriner's Creek and to shaie in the cost of this Review BACKGROUND: The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the City's Development Section staff have received a number of complaints and concerns with respect to the impacts of continuing development on the Shriners Creek watercourse. In order to address these concerns in a comprehensive manner, it was determined that a detailed review of the watershed from the Thorold/Niagara Fails tom line, easterly to the Q.E.W., would be necessary. The Sbxiners Creek project was constructed over the past twenty years and was designed to manage past development storm flows from development lands in the watershed. Under the terms of a shared maintenance agreement with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, the City's share of the costs, including studies, would be capped at 50%. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority prepared the terms of reference for the study and has awarded the project, (subject to the City's participation) to the firm of Totten Sims Hubicki. City staffhave reviewed the four proposals submitted and concurs with this selection. The City's share of the study cost is estimated to be approximately $12,500 which can be funded from the Development Charges Account in this year's Capitai Budget. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development Building and By-Laws 2001-10-01 -2 - MW-2001-127 The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has requested your favourable consideration of this matter as soon as possible so that the work program for the study can take advantage of the current seasonal conditions. Manager of Developmem Director of Municipal Works Respectfully Submitted by: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: ///JohnMa~,, Executivefi~nireal~or of Community Services Attch: 09/07/01 FRI 13:1Z FAX 90~78811Zl NPCA __NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION A U T H 0 R I T Y I,.~ MunicipaiWorks ~ September 7, 2001 City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON LTE 6X5 Attention: Mr. Geoff Holman, CET, Manager of Development Dear Sir: Subject: Shriner's Creek Review Study Attached for you~' information is a copy of the staff mp0rt approved by the Authority Board, which selects Totten Sims Hublcki as the successful consultant to undertake the work:. At this time, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority can confirm Provincial grant transfer payment funds to the study in the amount of 50% of the study cost. Would therefore appreciate receiving the City's commitment for the remaining 50%. Total budget for the work, including GST, is $25.058. The City's contribution would therefore be $12,529. Your attention to this as soon as possible would be appreciated as we would like to initiate the consultant's work plan to take advantage of current seasonal conditions. I will contact you In the near future regarding a start up meeting with the consultant. Yours truly, Tony D'Am'~o, P. Eng. Director, Water Management · (905) 788-3135, Ext. 232 Community Services Department Parks, Recreation & Culture The City of 7565 Lundy's Lane Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Niagara Falls Can~Jlll~-~- '--'~ Tel: (905) 356-7521 J - ax: ( o 3, -74o4 E-mail:akon~}city.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Kan Director R-2001-38 October 1, 2001 Alderman Victor Pictrangelo, Chairperson and Members of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R-2001-38 Concession Operations in City Arenas RECOMMENDATION: That Members of Council rcaffmn their decision regarding concession operations in City arenas. BACKGROUND: This report was initially included as part of thc August 13, 2001 Community Services agenda but was deferred until the report from Ontario Minor Hockey Association regarding their review of thc Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association was made available. Thc report was recently dislributcd to Members of Council but it has not been formally dealt with by Council. However, it is important to note, that thc original motion directed staffto assume responsibility for the operation of all City arena concessions. Thc logic was to increase the arena revenues, and therefore, reduce thc operating deficit. The purpose of this report is to clarify the operation of the concessions in City arenas. Initially, Council passed a motion on May 14, 2001, authorizing staff to assume responsibility for the concession operation for both Chippawa Willoughby and Stamford Memorial Arenas. At a later meeting on June 21, 2001, Council returned the operation of thc Chippawa Willoughby Arena concession to the Niagara South Rcereation Association. Although there has been further discussion about the concessions, no other motions have been passed concerning the arena concession operations other than to defer thc August 13, 2001 report. Therefore, staffis oftbe opinion that the City will operate the concession at Stamford Memorial Arena for the 2001-02 season. Working Together to Serve Our CommunRy Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development R-2001-38 - 2 - October 1, 2001 Based on staff projections, it is anticipated that the Stamford Memorial Arena concession can generate an approximate $25,000 net annual profit. These additional funds will eventually help to reduce the overall arena operation deficit. However, initially the City will have to incur expenses in order to efficiently operate the concession. The purchase of the existing equipment at Stamford Memorial Arena from Niagara Falls Minor Hockey will cost $5,000. A point of sale and inventory control system will be purchased with arena reserve funds, in the latter part of the year, at an approximate cost of $40,000. This system will be used for the concession operations in both the Niagara Falls and Stamford Memorial Arenas and can be depreciated over a ten-year period. A decision needs to be made quickly. The season for our ice users started in early September but the concession and pro shop remain closed. The City does have a responsibility to ensure that customer service is being provided in our facilities and complaints are currently being received. In addition, the delay in opening the concession is resulting in needed revenue being lost. Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Respectfully Submitted: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: Executive Director of Community Services Alrdd~s S:\Council\Council 200BR.2001-38.wpd Club Italia Lodge No. 5 R.R. #1, 2525 Montrose Road Niagara Fails. Ontario, Canada L2E 6S4 Phone: 905-374-7388 · Fax: 905-374-2044 LIBERTY - EQUALITY - FRATERNITY September 14, 2001 Your Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and City Council Subject: Soccer field for City at Club Italia It has been brought to our attention th. at the City of Niagara Falls has struggled this past year to meet the ever-growing demand for soccer facilities for youth and adult soccer in the city. To help alleviate this problem, Club Italia permitted the usage of their field to a total of 12 teams. Club Italia then became their home field for the rest of the seasor~ The teams using the field were as follows: 2 senior men's competitive club teams, 1 under 21 men's premier Provincial Team, 2 competitive ladies teams, 2 old-timers teams, 1 under 17 competitive boys team, 1 under 16 competitive boys team, 1 under 15 competitive boys team, 1 under 14 competitive boys team all fxom the Niagara Falls Boys Soccer Club. In order to meet this requirement for games (sometimes 2 and 3 per day) no team was allOwed to practice on the Club Italia Field. Teams had to find their own practice fields. Generally these facilities, when available, were in extremely poor condition. We are aware of the fact that the sports and recreation department is working hard at providing new facilities off Kalar Rd. and are in the process of negotiations to acquire additional land at this location~ However, these fields will not be ready next year. In view of the above, Club Italia has worked out a tentative deal with Parks & Recreation to share in the cost to provide a temporary soccer field at their property off Kalar Rd. adjacent to the club. The intent is to have city services and equipment prepare in the leveling of the field. Club Italia is prepared to finance everything else including hydro seeding so that the field can be ready by the coming spring season. We understand that council approval is required to have city staff and equipment level the field. We wish to emphasize that this is a temporary proposal until Club Italia decides to build on this location an old age home and sports complex. This phase is not expected to be constructed for 3 or 4 years or more. The timing for this venture is critical and therefore kinflt,t-,-rl~tuect, ing for council approval as soon as possible. ., ' , ,, We thank you for your consideration. /" ~ -, r, :' \ gg'~lo, President Club Italia \,~ - .-,,,L~ ,m'.c / '\ ' Cc: Adele Kon - Parks & Recreations %/ , , www.clubitalianiagara.com · email: club~taha@computan on Ca i , i ~ Niagara Transit 4320 Bridge St., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 2R7 Office 905-356-1179 Garage 905-358-9749 Fax 905-356-7746 Email ni~atrans~,iaw.com Website www.iaw.com/~niatrans To: His Worship the Mayor and Members of Council From: Re: Wayne (Bart) Maves, Chairman Invitation - Symposium on Transit for Ontario Elected Officials September 20, 2001 On behalf of the Commission, I am pleased to extend an invitation to all Members of Council to attend a one-day symposium on "Public transit - a key to a competitiveness and sustainability in Ontario's urban economies". The symposium will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 as part of the Canadian Urban Transit Association's "innovation in Motion" fall conference. A draft of the program is attached. Once particulars have been finalized, we will advise accordingly. The symposium provides elected officials from all levels of government with the opportunity to share in discussion on key transportation issues facing municipalities and the role public transit can play in a municiparty s transportation system. If you have any questions, or wish to confirm your attendance, please contact General Manager Terry Librock at 905-356-1179. Niagara Transit will pay for registration and travel expenses. Yours truly, GREATER NIAGARA TRANSIT COMMISSION Wayne (Bart) Maves Chairman WM/jrb Encl. Canadian Urban Transit Association Association canadienne du transport urbain DRAFT PROGRAM Public transit A key to competitiveness and sustainability in Ontario's urban economies A symposium on transit for Ontario's elected officials taking place during the Canadian Urban Transit Association's Innovation in Motion Fall Conference and Trans-Expo Trade Show. Tuesday, November 13, 2001 Hilton Toronto Airport Ballroom Mississauga, Ontario Program: Optional: 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: Trans-Expo, Canada's Transit and Bus Exhibition, trade show at the International Centre, Hall 5. Participants are encouraged to visit an exhibition featuring the latest in products, technology and services in public transit. 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. Lunch and registration Toronto Airport Hilton: A light business lunch will be served in the ballroom foyer 1:00 p.m. Chair's opening remarks and introduction by Steve Mahoney, MP, Mississauga West, and Ontario Caucus Chair; and greetings by Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga. 1:10 p.m. Keynote address by Glenda Hood, Mayor of the City of Orlando, Florida (invited). Quality of life and urban competitiveness in a growing economy - the critical importance of transit investment. 1:40 p.m. Public transit in Ontario: Opportunities and Challenges Bryon Wilfert, MP, Oak Ridges, and GTA Caucus Chair. With urban concerns of increased traffic congestion, gfidlock, and environmental air quality issues, there is an economic and a practical argument in support of transit that is relevant to every Ontario city. 2:00 p.m. Keynote address by the Honourable Chds Hodgson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (invited) 2:20 - 3:10 p.m. Session 1 - Transportation Demand Management An evaluation of the cost benefits of transit, and the economics of balance in planning will be investigated. Moderator, David Crombie, President and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute Speakers: Mike Flainek, Director of Traffic and Parking Operations, City of Ottawa; Joann Woodhall, Transportation Demand Management Planner, Region of Waterloo 3:30 -4:20 p.m. Session 2 - Financial Successes of Transit and Capital Fundin(~ Needs Growth in the transit industry is only sustainable when the current capital infrastructure maintains existing fleets and equipment in a state of good repair. In a climate where rider demand is increasing, and dollars invested in transit is decreasing, transit systems are feeling the affects of restraint. Moderator. Ann Mulvale, Mayor of Oakville, and Chair of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Speakers: Rick Ducharme, Chief General Manager, Toronto Transit Commission, Wesley Woods, General Manager of Transit Operations, City of Greater Sudbury 4:40 - 5:30 p.m. Session 3 - Transportation Strategv and Smart Growth Moderator, Debbie Zimmerman, Chair, Regional Municipality of Niagara Speakers: Angela lannuzziello, President, Entra Consultants, Ron Westlake, Transportation Manager, City of Kelowna Closing remarks - Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga 5:30 p.m. Reception hosted by Judy Sgro, MP, Chair of the Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues Toronto Airport Hilton Ballroom foyer 6:00 p.m. Optional Participants are invited to join the conference delegates for the business members sponsored dinner and entertainment at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre.